Media Statement - 2nd November 2007
Federal Labor today announced a package of initiatives for the Northern Rivers Growth Corridor, highlighting its commitment to the sustainable development of Australia’s cities and regions.
These important projects, funded under Labor’s new Better Regions program, will meet the challenges of this fast growing region, improve liveability and create jobs.
Not since Federal Labor’s Better Cities program, has there been a strategic vision to inject funding into infrastructure to renew and sustain growth corridors.
A Rudd Labor Government will invest to achieve:
- $1 million for the South Grafton Revitalisation
- $2 million for the Casino Town Centre Revitalisation
- $3 million for the Casino Community Centre
- $1 million for the Tweed Heads Regional Museum
- $1.5 million for the Byron Community Sport and Recreation Facility
- $200,000 for the installation of community safety measures in Tweed Heads, South Tweed and Banora Point.
The Northern Rivers is one of the nation’s fastest growing regions. The population has grown 17% in the last 10 years. The region is forecast to grow by around 1.2% per annum over the next 20 years.
With this rapid growth comes pressure for community and economic infrastructure.
The priorities and solutions announced today have been identified and developed by the region, and for the region, to meet its economic and social needs and its growth and development challenges.
Federal Labor is committed to supporting innovative local communities and will respond to local solutions that stack up.
This investment will be key to creating a vibrant, diverse and attractive region in the Northern Rivers Growth Corridor and is yet another example of Labor’s commitment to regional and urban development.
BACKGROUND
South Grafton CBD Revitalisation
Labor will invest $1 million in the revitalisation of South Grafton CBD (Skinner St). It will improve liveability and create a place of pride for the community. The project will create retail opportunities in the Heritage Precinct, increase tourism in the area, create jobs, improve community safety and enhance linkages to the river.This project has been identified through consultation and planning with the local community in 2005 and 2006. It will be delivered in partnership with Clarence Valley Council who has adopted the Revitalisation Masterplan in June 2007.
Casino CBD Revitalisation
Labor will invest $2 million in the Casino CBD revitalisation. This important community project will be delivered in partnership with Richmond Valley Council.It will enhance the liveability in the Casino town centre, with better access for pedestrians and traffic in streets identified in the Casino CBD Concept Plan. Community safety will also be enhanced with improved street lighting. This initiative will enable this community to accommodate the needs of its growing population.
Casino Community Centre
Labor will invest $3 million in partnership with Richmond Valley Council to establish a multi-purpose community centre in Casino. This important facility will enable the community to access a wide range of services close to the CBD and public transport.Services include the Casino Neighbourhood Centre to provide services for people with a disability such as transport, Home & Community Care, REAL Service, Casino & District Family Support Service, ATSI Health Service, Casino Respite Service, Richmond Valley & Kyogle Library, Casino Community Health, Red Cross and facilities for Senior Citizens.
The community centre would also provide much improved space for a variety of groups and services. The existing Library would be incorporated in the community centre complex, with increased library space to meet current and future needs. The co-location of facilities will improve cost efficiency in the delivery of these essential services and make them more accessibility to the community.
Tweed Regional Museum
Federal Labor will invest $1 million towards a Regional Museum at Tweed Heads. The $5 million project will be delivered in partnership with the Tweed Shire and NSW Government who have also committed funding to complete the project. The Museum will:
- incorporate Maritime history and an educational component for local schools and Tertiary institution;
- build on the maritime history of the region; and
- enhance cultural, recreational and economic development in the area.
Byron Community Sport and Recreation Centre
The Byron community has a critical shortage of sporting and recreational facilities. Federal Labor will commit $1.5 million towards the establishment of an integrated sport and recreational facility within the shire to service the sporting needs of the local community as well as the wider shire community and the North Coast Region.The project will be delivered in partnership with the Byron Shire who has committed significant resources to the $5 million project.
Installation of community safety measures for bus shelters in South Tweed, Tweed Heads and Banora Point
Federal Labor will invest $200,000 to install community safety features at bus shelters in Tweed Heads and Banora Point. The clean up and installation of CCTV at these shelters will deter future crime and increase community safety.